Keyboard functions What is a computer keyboard for?

The keyboard is one of the most important tools and is used in different devices, such as laptops, computers and notebooks. In computer science, it is known as a « input device » (a device that enters information).

Il allows you to enter a large amount of data , both for calculations and for writing, they can even be used for games, graphic design, in short, the keyboard has a wide variety of uses . That different keyboards have even been created, in order to facilitate different tasks.

In this article we let's explain all the functions of a keyboard , and how many there are, besides knowing why they were created.

What is the computer keyboard for and what are its main functions?

A computer keyboard is an input device ( the peripherals entry are devices that allow you to grab data or information in the system) , when it comes to computers and laptops, it is also called hardware because it is part of the physical components that make up a computer, laptop or mobile device.

Among its main functions are : Write words, numbers. Either be used in a word processor such as; Word or for accounting data such as; Excel.

Keyboards can also be used as keyboard shortcuts : They allow a more experienced user to access certain properties or tools of the operating system or programs more quickly by simply pressing a set of keys.

Another frequent use, it also occurs with games. Where players use different parts of the keyboard to perform extensive functions in the game, from moving the character to interacting with objects.

How many types of keyboards are there and what are their functions?

There is a wide variety of keyboards, and these can be cataloged based on their functionality and connection type and a combination of those - ci which can be considered as a subcategory. Over time, they update their technologies, improving the user experience and the quality of the devices.

Ergonomic keyboard

They are designed to provide greater comfort to the user, helping them to have a more comfortable position of the arms and hands when gripping on the keyboard .

Multimedia keyboard

This keyboard adds special keys, which can have direct and various functions . In the beginning, the first keyboards of this type contained simple functions, such as pausing and playing a video or sound, raising and lowering the volume. But over time more features were added. Such as: opening browser, email, help panel, USB ports and more. The interesting thing is that different keyboards of this type have been created. Some being; ergonomic, other touch screen and wireless .

Flexible keyboard

It is similar to any classic keyboard, because it contains the same keys and functions, its peculiarity and usefulness is its flexibility, generally Silicone or in some cases soft plastic. These keyboards can be used on almost any surface and being made of silicone, they are fully sealed. This makes it an excellent tool to use in the laboratory, as it allows total disinfection of the device.

Numeric keypad

This keyboard is a complement to the commonly used keyboard called QWERT, since in cases such as the ergonomic keyboard, virtual and projection. This section is not included. It basically contains the section of numbers that go from 0 to 9 and all the basic math operations.

On-screen keyboard or virtual keyboard

It is a keyboard that can be seen mainly in portable devices such as mobiles or tables, but it is even available not only in One on all computers . It is also included in laptops and regular computers, you just need to perform a few steps to activate it. Its functionality is the same as that of any conventional keyboard. Only if you do not have a touch screen, its use must be done with the cursor or a joystick.

Mechanical keyboards

These keyboards look like a conventional keyboard , its big difference lies in its operation, unlike a normal keyboard which contains a "membrane" inside (this can be seen when opening the keyboard). Mechanical keyboards contain a kind of " switch Or switch that operates individually for each key.

Those - ci are used in particular in the gaming community , due to the high requirement that is necessary and the intensity of the work submitted by its users. At first they can be annoying as they make more noise with each keystroke, but once you get used to them they will be comfortable for you. Another detail is that depending on the model of mechanical keyboard you use, you will need to apply more or less force to the keys.

Projection or virtual keyboard

As the name suggests, it is a keyboard that can be projected onto a flat surface, and it works with infrared technology, which detects which keys the user presses and then transmits it to the device with which it is paired. Its technology connection is made via bluetooth , it can be used with any compatible device.

Keyboards per connection

Technically, it's not a type of keyboard, but a subcategory of it. Since over time the technology with which keyboards have been connected to computers has changed, among the types of connections we have the following:

• Keyboard with parallel connector : This keyboard is obsolete (special issue)
• Keyboard with DIN or PS / 2 connector : The DIN connector was used in few computers, being quickly replaced by the PS / 2, also known as "Mini DIN", it is similar to the DIN connector, but with a smaller size, in very little cases are still used today, but they are already disappearing. These are characterized by the fact that they are round and contain several pins inside.
• USB keyboards : it can be a classic USB connection or a miniUSB connection. It is the connection most used today in keyboards that are coming out on the market.
• Claviers wireless : These are keyboards that have no cables. at first they used an infrared connection, but with time and the improvement of technology, they started to use the bluetooth connection. This makes it a more comfortable tool, as the discomfort of the cable is avoided.

Most of the keyboards mentioned above can be wireless or use cables. There are even some who mix the two types of connection. (Whenever it will be by wiring, it will be USB)

What is it and what do the keys f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6, f7, f8, f9, f10, f11 and f12 do?

Function keys are a tool that can be used in different programs. This may vary depending on what configuration the manufacturer has included or what the user has programmed into the system.

• F1: opens the help window of the running program or application.
• F2: You can change the name of a file that you have already selected.
• F3: Open the search assistant.
• F4: If you use it in the Explorer browser, you will see all the pages you have visited recently.
• F5: refresh screen.
• F6: Used to move around with the keyboard depending on where you are working.
• F7: It has no action in Windows, but it can work in any program or application that you are using.
• F8: If you restart the computer and press this key several times, you can enter the system variants (safe mode).
• F9: It does not perform any action on Windows.
• F10: Used to move between the toolbar of any application.
• F11: Maximize window to 100% in any program.
• F12: no action on Windows.

How is a keyboard structured?

A conventional keyboard is divided or structured into 6 zones . They perform a function or can perform different functions. The functions may also depend on the program used.

• Function keys: Those are the Touches F1, F2, F3 to F12 and allow you to execute a specific function depending on the program.
• Control keys: they can be used individually or in combination with numbers to access functions, or even perform certain actions. The most used in Windows systems are Ctrl, Alt, Esc and the key Start from Windows. On computers with the macOS X operating system, one of the most commonly used keys is
• Typewriter or alphanumeric keys : In this area are all letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation marks.
• Numeric keyboard: used to quickly enter numeric data. The keys and symbols have been grouped together in the same way as you would see on a calculator.
• Scroll and special keys: they let you scroll through documents or web pages and edit text. These keys are: Delete, Start, End, Previous page, Next page, Ppt and arrow keys. With the key ImpPT , you can take screenshots. Generate images of what you are watching at the moment.

How many keys does a keyboard have?

There is no exact number of keys that a keyboard can contain, as that number can vary depending on the type of keyboard. For example, from a numeric keypad to an alphanumeric keypad, the difference in the number of keys is noticeable.

• An alphanumeric keypad can contain from 102 to 105 keys .
• The Apple keyboard which includes the numeric keypad has 109 keys .
• The numeric keypad can have 17 or 18 keys .
• An ergonomic keyboard that does not contain the digital part can have 87 keys .

What is and how to obtain the third function of the keys?

The third function on keyboards is the one that cannot be accessed by pressing the Shift key, usually activated using the Alt or AltGr key. An example can be by pressing ATL Gr + 2 (the one above the w) and the symbol @ will appear . If the E key is pressed in combination with Touches Alt Gr ( Alt Gr +E), the symbol € will appear .

This unfortunatly depends on the nomenclature used by the keyboard , whether Spanish or Latin American. As well as the language that the operating system has programmed. You can see here how to put your keyboard in spanish .

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, we will get back to you as soon as possible, and it will be a great help for more community members as well. Thank you!